The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

FOR the past six years, Caribbean communities have benefitted from the philanthropic efforts of the 15 Sandals resorts around the region through the Sandals Foundation.

For those that experience the goodwill of the brand first-hand, it is the culmination of three decades of an organisation remaining dedicated to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities in which it operates.

Sandals Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart believes that family is not just those with blood-ties; but considers colleagues across the hotel’s four brands and corporate offices a part of his clan – the Sandals and Beaches family.

Six years ago, Sandals CEO Adam Stewart, in broadening his father’s philosophy took that belief beyond the gates of the brand’s 15 Caribbean resorts and formed the Sandals Foundation.

Since then, the foundation has provided ongoing support and infrastructural upgrades for 55 schools in the Caribbean, through educational initiatives such as Project Sprout and their partnership with Hands Across The Sea.

More than 940 teachers received access to teacher-training initiatives, 63 computer labs were outfitted at schools, and free health care was provided for over 155,000 people.

The Sandals Foundation also offers the Reading Road Trip, in partnership with Island Routes Adventure Tours, which allows guests to visit local schools and engage in literacy activities with the children.

“I learnt from an early age that the playing field is not always equal and that we all have a responsibility – as individuals, as companies, as communities and nations to do what we can to help each other no matter where we are in life,” Adam Stewart said.

“Most of all, the Sandals Foundation can make a difference in the lives of thousands – and that’s an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. Our dedication to being the good neighbours and citizens we believe it’s our duty to be, does not waiver or falter – whether times are tough or not. We have stood side by side with and for our extended families – our communities.”

Locally, the foundation has done all it can to better the surrounding communities, both in New Providence with the Royal Bahamian Resort and in Exuma with the Emerald Bay Resort.

Eric Carey, executive director at the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), yesterday called the Sandals Foundation a “shot in the arm” to his group’s conch conservation effort. Mr Carey insisted that three years ago, when executives from the foundation contacted his office, their genuine care surprised him.

“We were working on a public campaign to educate persons on issues facing our local conch population. Most people know and understand the conch species, but don’t understand how their actions relate to the species.

“Funds were needed and we had no clue who to turn to, then the Sandals Foundation called. They offered to give the $15,000 needed to jumpstart conservation efforts.”

The foundation’s initial donation not only built the foundation to BNT’s conservation approach but it also inspired other corporate sponsors to assist, added Mr Carey.

He said: “What they did really demonstrated what is possible in the Bahamas when companies decide to give back to the communities that support them.”

Along with BNT, organisations like Providing Access to Continued Education (PACE) Foundation, the Bahamas AIDS Foundation and the Gambier Primary Schools have all been systematically adopted by the Royal Bahamian Resort over the past six years.

Jackie Knowles, principal at PACE, labelled her five-year partnership with the Sandals Foundation a “beautiful connection.” Mrs Knowles indicated that representatives from the foundation are always there, acting as a constant reminder that her organisation’s mandate meant something to the wider public.

“PACE is working everyday to give young women a second chance at a productive life and it’s hard because it takes a lot to do the things needed to help these girls.

“What Sandals has done is come in and provided support in any way possible. With every one of the programmes we develop here they (Sandals Foundation) find a way to help us in making it a success.”

Presently, the Sandals Foundation is spearheading the refurbishment of a two-story building for PACE. The plan is to use the space as a computer lab and a home economic lecture hall for the young mothers involved in the programme.

Mrs Knowles said: “These girls are from poor socio-economic backgrounds and we are working to improve their lives. Sandals is helping us meet that goal.”

Over in Exuma, the Emerald Bay Resort has adopted the island.

Snovakia Watson, public relations coordinator, said her company’s focus remains “assisting the community as best we can.”

She said the resort has made its biggest mark helping schools on the island.

“To date we have constructed five functioning computer labs and now we are on to the sixth.”

She added that the Emerald Bay Resort remains the primary sponsor of two of the island’s biggest festivals, the Music and Heritage Festival and the National Family Island Regatta.

“We understand how important those events are to this community and the relationship we have fostered throughout the years with the people here have given us that understanding.

“Even if it isn’t monetary donations, we offer our time and energy where we could and if needed our facility. Exuma is the reason we do what we do, the people here are why we do what we do.”

Beyond their mainstream donations to schools on the island, the Sandals Foundation has sponsored a local fire station, island-wide beach cleanup efforts, hosted training exercises for teachers and even financed a track meet.

Chester Robards, Sandals public relations manager and Sandals Foundation chair, said from the inception of the foundation the goal has remained the same – building better communities by improving lives.

“The last six years shows we are dedicated to enhancing the communities around us,” he said.